<p>Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week.</p>

<p>An army post in the village of Zigue was attacked at around 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday, according to two officials who asked not to be identified.</p>

<p>The attack follows a raid that took place around 50 km (30 miles) north of Zigue on Saturday, which was claimed by Islamic State. Eight soldiers were killed in that raid, according to the defence ministry.</p>

<p>Cameroon, alongside neighbouring Nigeria and Chad, has been battling the Boko Haram militant group for years, but more recently has clashed with fighters who identify themselves as Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in May, ISWAP has sought to absorb Boko Haram fighters and unify the groups which had hitherto fought one another for control of territory.</p>


Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week.

Unidentified attackers killed five Cameroonian soldiers and one civilian during a raid on a military outpost in the far north of the country, local authorities said on Tuesday, the second deadly raid in the area in the past week. An army post in the village of Zigue was attacked at around 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) on Monday, according to two officials who asked not to be identified. The attack follows a raid that took place around 50 km (30 miles) north of Zigue on Saturday, which was claimed by Islamic State. Eight soldiers were killed in that raid, according to the defence ministry. Cameroon, alongside neighbouring Nigeria and Chad, has been battling the Boko Haram militant group for years, but more recently has clashed with fighters who identify themselves as Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). In the aftermath of the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in May, ISWAP has sought to absorb Boko Haram fighters and unify the groups which had hitherto fought one another for control of territory.

Attackers kill five soldiers, one civilian in north Cameroon, say officials

<p>The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it has attached the properties worth Rs 4.98 crore of Vijay Akkash, Mohamed Musthafa, M.D. Jairam and others in Syndicate bank fraud case.</p>

<p>The ED in a statement said that the financial probe agency has attached the properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).</p>

<p>It said that the ED registered a case of money laundering on the basis of FIR filed by Commercial Street Police Station in Karnataka`s Bengaluru against Akkash, Musthafa, Jairam, the then Assistant Branch Manager of Syndicate Bank, Uttarahalli Branch in Bengaluru and others.</p>

<p>It said probe revealed that Akkash, the mastermind of the whole conspiracy along with Jairam, Nagaraju, Revenna, Siddagangaiah, and others, opened a fake current account in the Syndicate Bank in the name of Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board (KSAMB) operated by Musthafa impersonating as the Account officer of KSAMB, based on the fake and fabricated documents such as Board Resolution, ID Card, Letter head of KSAMB etc, and succeeded in transferring Rs 50 crore to the fake Current Account.</p>

<p>"Musthafa after getting the said amount of Rs 50 crore in the fake current account of KSAMB with the help of Jairam and others, subsequently transferred Rs 47.96 crore into various bank account belonging to various entities, persons etc, who acted as accomplices to the conspiracy," it said.</p>

<p>"Investigation revealed that the bank accounts of each of those entities and persons were used to withdraw money in the form of cash and to buy jewellery and land by the accused and their accomplices," it said.</p>

<p>It said that identified assets in the form of the balances in the bank accounts used for money laundering, jewellery and land to the tune of Rs 4.98 crore in the form of movable and immovable properties have been provisionally attached under PMLA.</p>


The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it has attached the properties worth Rs 4.98 crore of Vijay Akkash, Mohamed Musthafa, M.D. Jairam and others in Syndicate bank fraud case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that it has attached the properties worth Rs 4.98 crore of Vijay Akkash, Mohamed Musthafa, M.D. Jairam and others in Syndicate bank fraud case. The ED in a statement said that the financial probe agency has attached the properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It said that the ED registered a case of money laundering on the basis of FIR filed by Commercial Street Police Station in Karnataka`s Bengaluru against Akkash, Musthafa, Jairam, the then Assistant Branch Manager of Syndicate Bank, Uttarahalli Branch in Bengaluru and others. It said probe revealed that Akkash, the mastermind of the whole conspiracy along with Jairam, Nagaraju, Revenna, Siddagangaiah, and others, opened a fake current account in the Syndicate Bank in the name of Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board (KSAMB) operated by Musthafa impersonating as the Account officer of KSAMB, based on the fake and fabricated documents such as Board Resolution, ID Card, Letter head of KSAMB etc, and succeeded in transferring Rs 50 crore to the fake Current Account. "Musthafa after getting the said amount of Rs 50 crore in the fake current account of KSAMB with the help of Jairam and others, subsequently transferred Rs 47.96 crore into various bank account belonging to various entities, persons etc, who acted as accomplices to the conspiracy," it said. "Investigation revealed that the bank accounts of each of those entities and persons were used to withdraw money in the form of cash and to buy jewellery and land by the accused and their accomplices," it said. It said that identified assets in the form of the balances in the bank accounts used for money laundering, jewellery and land to the tune of Rs 4.98 crore in the form of movable and immovable properties have been provisionally attached under PMLA.

ED attaches assets worth Rs 4.9 cr in Syndicate Bank fraud case

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers across the country on Thursday via video conferencing to mark the completion of one year of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.</p>

<p>He will also launch multiple initiatives in the education sector.According to Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), Prime Minister will launch the Academic Bank of Credit that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in Higher education; first Year Engineering Programmes in Regional Languages and Guidelines for the Internationalization of Higher Education.</p>

<p>The initiatives to be launched also include Vidya Pravesh, a three-month play-based school preparation module for Grade 1 students; Indian Sign Language as a Subject at secondary level; NISHTHA 2.0, an integrated programme of teacher training designed by NCERT; SAFAL (Structured Assessment For Analyzing Learning Levels), a competency-based assessment framework for Grades 3, 5 and 8 in CBSE schools; and a website dedicated to Artificial Intelligence.</p>

<p>Further, the event will witness the launch of the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and the National Education Technology Forum (NETF).These initiatives will mark a significant step towards the realization of the goals of NEP 2020 and will make the education sector more vibrant and accessible.</p>

<p>The NEP, 2020 is the guiding philosophy for changing the learning landscape, making education holistic and building strong foundations for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.This is the first education policy of the 21st Century and replaced the thirty-four-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.The Union Education Minister will also be present on the occasion.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers across the country on Thursday via video conferencing to mark the completion of one year of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers across the country on Thursday via video conferencing to mark the completion of one year of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He will also launch multiple initiatives in the education sector.According to Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), Prime Minister will launch the Academic Bank of Credit that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in Higher education; first Year Engineering Programmes in Regional Languages and Guidelines for the Internationalization of Higher Education. The initiatives to be launched also include Vidya Pravesh, a three-month play-based school preparation module for Grade 1 students; Indian Sign Language as a Subject at secondary level; NISHTHA 2.0, an integrated programme of teacher training designed by NCERT; SAFAL (Structured Assessment For Analyzing Learning Levels), a competency-based assessment framework for Grades 3, 5 and 8 in CBSE schools; and a website dedicated to Artificial Intelligence. Further, the event will witness the launch of the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and the National Education Technology Forum (NETF).These initiatives will mark a significant step towards the realization of the goals of NEP 2020 and will make the education sector more vibrant and accessible. The NEP, 2020 is the guiding philosophy for changing the learning landscape, making education holistic and building strong foundations for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.This is the first education policy of the 21st Century and replaced the thirty-four-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986. Built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.The Union Education Minister will also be present on the occasion.

PM Modi to address education community on July 29 to mark one year of NEP 2020

<p>Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag.</p>

<p>The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier. 357 COVID-19 fatalities were recorded by the health authorities. Total death toll in 89,479. This is the highest death toll in West Asia.</p>

<p>Spread of the variant had prompted new restrictions last week. Government ordered closure of state offices &nbsp;public places and non-essential businesses in the capital of Tehran. However, the lockdown measures had little effect.</p>

<p>Iran is reeling from a series of crises. US sanctions, global isolation, heatwave, blackouts and protests over water shortage in southwest have hounded the West Asian nation.</p>

<p>Fewer than 3 per cent of Iranians have been vaccinated either with Iran's locally produced shots or Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.</p>


Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag. The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier.

Iran recorded over 34,900 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday. This was the country's single-day record for cases as vaccinations lag. The previous single-day record was of 31,814 infections and had been set only a day earlier. 357 COVID-19 fatalities were recorded by the health authorities. Total death toll in 89,479. This is the highest death toll in West Asia. Spread of the variant had prompted new restrictions last week. Government ordered closure of state offices public places and non-essential businesses in the capital of Tehran. However, the lockdown measures had little effect. Iran is reeling from a series of crises. US sanctions, global isolation, heatwave, blackouts and protests over water shortage in southwest have hounded the West Asian nation. Fewer than 3 per cent of Iranians have been vaccinated either with Iran's locally produced shots or Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.

Iran reports highest Covid infections for second straight day

<p>As it seeks to manage an increasingly testy relationship, the Biden administration has mapped out a strategy of confronting China on points of dispute, while leaving the door open for cooperation against global threats.</p>

<p>On Monday, China seemed to slam the door on the idea that the two countries could collaborate one day and clash the next.</p>

<p>Talks with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman — the highest-ranking administration official to visit China so far — began with a barrage of public criticism from the Chinese side and ended with little sign that the two combative powers were closer to narrowing their disagreements.</p>

<p>“The relationship between the United States and the PRC is a complex one, and our policy is very complex as a result,” Sherman said in a telephone interview after the meetings, referring to the People’s Republic of China. “We believe our relationship can tolerate that nuance.”</p>

<p>The meetings, held in the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin, covered the range of disputes between the two countries, she said. Many of them are acrimonious, defying easy resolution.</p>

<p>They included human rights, quickly narrowing political freedoms in Hong Kong and what Sherman called “the horrifying actions taking place in Xinjiang,” the largely Muslim region in western China where hundreds of thousands have passed through detention camps and re-education centers.</p>

<p>Sherman also raised China’s demands over Taiwan, its military operations in the South China Sea, and the accusations last week by the United States and other nations that China’s Ministry of State Security was behind the hacking of Microsoft email systems and possibly other cyberattacks.</p>

<p>“This is very serious — that the Ministry of State Security would assist criminals to hack Microsoft and potentially others,” she said, adding that many countries had joined the United States in saying that “such behavior is absolutely irresponsible, reckless and has no place in our world.”</p>

<p>China, at least publicly, gave no ground, saying that the United States had no right to lecture the Chinese government or anyone else. Even before Sherman had finished her meetings, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a series of six acrid statements from the first official she met, Xie Feng, the vice foreign minister who oversees relations with the United States.</p>

<p>Xie accused the United States of committing genocide against Native Americans and botching the response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has left 620,000 Americans dead.</p>

<p>The Biden administration’s policies are nothing but a “thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China,” Xie told Sherman, according to a summary of his comments that the Chinese foreign ministry sent to reporters on Monday before the Americans could emerge to provide their own account.</p>

<p>“It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down,” Xie told Sherman, according to the summaries of his comments, which were also issued on the Chinese foreign ministry website.</p>

<p>Sherman’s meetings offered the latest gauge of how the Biden administration’s strategy is working. So far, at least, it has done little to temper China’s behavior. Xie’s remarks underscored the anger that has been building in China toward the United States, undermining the chances that the approach will gain ground.</p>

<p>After a second meeting — with China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi — Sherman indicated that the two sides had discussed global and regional problems where the two governments might be able work in concert, including North Korea and nuclear proliferation. She sounded a note of caution about any concrete progress, though, adding that she had not come to the talks expecting instant results.</p>

<p>“We were quite direct with each other on the areas of great difference,” she said.</p>

<p>“On areas where we have common interests and there are great global interests, we had very substantive discussions, shared some ideas,” Sherman said. “We will have to see where that goes.”</p>

<p>Drew Thompson, a former director for China in the U.S. Defense Department, said that the underlying intent behind Sherman’s visit appeared to be ensuring that sharpening differences did not spiral into dangerous standoffs.</p>

<p>“Beijing is taking a maximalist approach to the U.S.-China relationship, issuing lists of demands, insisting Washington reverse policies and actions,” said Thompson, who is now a researcher at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.</p>

<p>“The primary objective for Washington has turned to deepening understanding of China’s positions, reducing the potential for misperception, and avoiding miscalculation that could lead to outright conflict,” he said.</p>

<p>The tone on Monday echoed the opening of high-level talks between senior Chinese and Biden administration officials in March, when Beijing’s top foreign policy official, Yang Jiechi, delivered a 16-minute lecture, accusing the Americans of arrogance and hypocrisy. The contentious start with the Biden administration has surprised officials in China, who thought that relations had hit bottom during the last year of the Trump presidency and thus could only improve with the new president.</p>

<p>Xie told the Chinese news media after his meeting that he had passed along to Sherman two sets of demands, including lifting visa restrictions on Communist Party members, rescinding sanctions on Chinese officials and no longer designating major Chinese news outlets in the United States as foreign agents. All of those were put in place during Donald Trump’s presidency, but President Joe Biden has not moved to repeal any of them.</p>

<p>While Biden has largely avoided the heated ideological sparring with the Chinese Communist Party that the Trump administration pursued in its final year, relations remain strained.</p>

<p>Washington has tried to draw in allies to press Beijing on many of these issues. Sherman’s travel also took her to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia as part of efforts to rebuild regional ties that were strained under Trump.</p>

<p>And the Chinese government has bristled at calls from the United States, the World Health Organization and others for a new examination of whether the coronavirus may have slipped out of a lab in China, igniting the pandemic.</p>

<p>Last week, Chinese officials said they were “extremely shocked” by a WHO proposal to take a fresh look at the lab leak theory. A report in March from an initial WHO inquiry said that it was “extremely unlikely” that the coronavirus had jumped into the wider population after escaping from a laboratory.</p>

<p>Sherman said she had pressed China to cooperate with the international investigation into the spread of COVID. “I’ll let them speak for themselves,” she said, “but from my perspective, I certainly didn’t get the answer I wanted or hoped for.”</p>

<p>China’s more combative tone appears to flow from the top. The country’s leader, Xi Jinping, has signaled growing impatience with criticism and demands from Washington, especially over what Beijing deems internal issues like Hong Kong and Xinjiang.</p>

<p>Beijing has retaliated against sanctions over Hong Kong and Xinjiang with its own against Western politicians, rights groups and academics.</p>

<p>“We’ll never accept insufferably arrogant lecturing from those ‘master teachers!’” Xi said in a speech on July 1 commemorating 100 years since the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.</p>


As it seeks to manage an increasingly testy relationship, the Biden administration has mapped out a strategy of confronting China on points of dispute, while leaving the door open for cooperation against global threats.

As it seeks to manage an increasingly testy relationship, the Biden administration has mapped out a strategy of confronting China on points of dispute, while leaving the door open for cooperation against global threats. On Monday, China seemed to slam the door on the idea that the two countries could collaborate one day and clash the next. Talks with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman — the highest-ranking administration official to visit China so far — began with a barrage of public criticism from the Chinese side and ended with little sign that the two combative powers were closer to narrowing their disagreements. “The relationship between the United States and the PRC is a complex one, and our policy is very complex as a result,” Sherman said in a telephone interview after the meetings, referring to the People’s Republic of China. “We believe our relationship can tolerate that nuance.” The meetings, held in the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin, covered the range of disputes between the two countries, she said. Many of them are acrimonious, defying easy resolution. They included human rights, quickly narrowing political freedoms in Hong Kong and what Sherman called “the horrifying actions taking place in Xinjiang,” the largely Muslim region in western China where hundreds of thousands have passed through detention camps and re-education centers. Sherman also raised China’s demands over Taiwan, its military operations in the South China Sea, and the accusations last week by the United States and other nations that China’s Ministry of State Security was behind the hacking of Microsoft email systems and possibly other cyberattacks. “This is very serious — that the Ministry of State Security would assist criminals to hack Microsoft and potentially others,” she said, adding that many countries had joined the United States in saying that “such behavior is absolutely irresponsible, reckless and has no place in our world.” China, at least publicly, gave no ground, saying that the United States had no right to lecture the Chinese government or anyone else. Even before Sherman had finished her meetings, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a series of six acrid statements from the first official she met, Xie Feng, the vice foreign minister who oversees relations with the United States. Xie accused the United States of committing genocide against Native Americans and botching the response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has left 620,000 Americans dead. The Biden administration’s policies are nothing but a “thinly veiled attempt to contain and suppress China,” Xie told Sherman, according to a summary of his comments that the Chinese foreign ministry sent to reporters on Monday before the Americans could emerge to provide their own account. “It seems that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign is being waged to bring China down,” Xie told Sherman, according to the summaries of his comments, which were also issued on the Chinese foreign ministry website. Sherman’s meetings offered the latest gauge of how the Biden administration’s strategy is working. So far, at least, it has done little to temper China’s behavior. Xie’s remarks underscored the anger that has been building in China toward the United States, undermining the chances that the approach will gain ground. After a second meeting — with China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi — Sherman indicated that the two sides had discussed global and regional problems where the two governments might be able work in concert, including North Korea and nuclear proliferation. She sounded a note of caution about any concrete progress, though, adding that she had not come to the talks expecting instant results. “We were quite direct with each other on the areas of great difference,” she said. “On areas where we have common interests and there are great global interests, we had very substantive discussions, shared some ideas,” Sherman said. “We will have to see where that goes.” Drew Thompson, a former director for China in the U.S. Defense Department, said that the underlying intent behind Sherman’s visit appeared to be ensuring that sharpening differences did not spiral into dangerous standoffs. “Beijing is taking a maximalist approach to the U.S.-China relationship, issuing lists of demands, insisting Washington reverse policies and actions,” said Thompson, who is now a researcher at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. “The primary objective for Washington has turned to deepening understanding of China’s positions, reducing the potential for misperception, and avoiding miscalculation that could lead to outright conflict,” he said. The tone on Monday echoed the opening of high-level talks between senior Chinese and Biden administration officials in March, when Beijing’s top foreign policy official, Yang Jiechi, delivered a 16-minute lecture, accusing the Americans of arrogance and hypocrisy. The contentious start with the Biden administration has surprised officials in China, who thought that relations had hit bottom during the last year of the Trump presidency and thus could only improve with the new president. Xie told the Chinese news media after his meeting that he had passed along to Sherman two sets of demands, including lifting visa restrictions on Communist Party members, rescinding sanctions on Chinese officials and no longer designating major Chinese news outlets in the United States as foreign agents. All of those were put in place during Donald Trump’s presidency, but President Joe Biden has not moved to repeal any of them. While Biden has largely avoided the heated ideological sparring with the Chinese Communist Party that the Trump administration pursued in its final year, relations remain strained. Washington has tried to draw in allies to press Beijing on many of these issues. Sherman’s travel also took her to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia as part of efforts to rebuild regional ties that were strained under Trump. And the Chinese government has bristled at calls from the United States, the World Health Organization and others for a new examination of whether the coronavirus may have slipped out of a lab in China, igniting the pandemic. Last week, Chinese officials said they were “extremely shocked” by a WHO proposal to take a fresh look at the lab leak theory. A report in March from an initial WHO inquiry said that it was “extremely unlikely” that the coronavirus had jumped into the wider population after escaping from a laboratory. Sherman said she had pressed China to cooperate with the international investigation into the spread of COVID. “I’ll let them speak for themselves,” she said, “but from my perspective, I certainly didn’t get the answer I wanted or hoped for.” China’s more combative tone appears to flow from the top. The country’s leader, Xi Jinping, has signaled growing impatience with criticism and demands from Washington, especially over what Beijing deems internal issues like Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Beijing has retaliated against sanctions over Hong Kong and Xinjiang with its own against Western politicians, rights groups and academics. “We’ll never accept insufferably arrogant lecturing from those ‘master teachers!’” Xi said in a speech on July 1 commemorating 100 years since the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Biden’s China strategy meets resistance at the negotiating table

<p>Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain.</p>

<p>Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitosakis said during past 24 hours, the firefighters had battled around 50 fires. He also termed it likely that meteorologists would warn about a further heatwave</p>

<p>"I want to emphasize that August remains a difficult month," he said. "That is why it is important for all of us, all state services, to be on absolute alert until the firefighting period is formally over."</p>

<p>Fire officials said that negligence on farms and construction site was the cause of several fire incidents. Many of these fires were in the Pelopinnesian region. No casulaties were reported.</p>

<p>Conditions in southern Europe were in sharp contrast to the torrential rainstorms that lashed northern countries from Austria to Britain following the catastrophic flooding in Germany and neighbouring countries last week.</p>

<p>On the Italian island of Sardinia, firefighting planes from France and Greece reinforced local aircraft battling blazes across the island where more than 4,000 hectares of forest were burnt and more than 350 people evacuated.</p>

<p>In Sicily, fires broke out near the western town of Erice.</p>

<p>In Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia saw more than 1,500 hectares destroyed near Santa Coloma de Queralt, forcing dozens to be evacuated, although the blazes were 90% stabilized on Monday, firefighters and authorities said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain.

Wildfires burned across southern European regions on Monday fuelled by strong winds and hot weather. Whereas nothern countries cleaned up after a weekend of flooding and torrential rain. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitosakis said during past 24 hours, the firefighters had battled around 50 fires. He also termed it likely that meteorologists would warn about a further heatwave "I want to emphasize that August remains a difficult month," he said. "That is why it is important for all of us, all state services, to be on absolute alert until the firefighting period is formally over." Fire officials said that negligence on farms and construction site was the cause of several fire incidents. Many of these fires were in the Pelopinnesian region. No casulaties were reported. Conditions in southern Europe were in sharp contrast to the torrential rainstorms that lashed northern countries from Austria to Britain following the catastrophic flooding in Germany and neighbouring countries last week. On the Italian island of Sardinia, firefighting planes from France and Greece reinforced local aircraft battling blazes across the island where more than 4,000 hectares of forest were burnt and more than 350 people evacuated. In Sicily, fires broke out near the western town of Erice. In Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia saw more than 1,500 hectares destroyed near Santa Coloma de Queralt, forcing dozens to be evacuated, although the blazes were 90% stabilized on Monday, firefighters and authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

As north cleans up after floods, southern Europe battles wildfires

<p>Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny</p>

<p>"By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.</p>

<p>Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. &nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past</p>

<p>Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally said on Monday that Russia media regulator had blocked 49 websites linked to Navalny "By the decision of the prosecutor general's office, 49 websites were blocked simultaneously," key Navalny aide Leonid Volkov said on his Telegram channel on Monday. Blocked websites include Navalny's main website, the website of his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the websites of key allies and of Navalny's regional offices that disbanded earlier this year. AFP journalists said Navalny's website was unavailable in Russia. "The night of the long knives," Volkov wrote in reference to a bloody purge of military and political rivals launched by Adolf Hitler in Germany. Volkov said that only site not blocked was the "Smart Voting". It talks about Navalny-proposed strategy to support candidates best placed to defeat Kremlin-linked politicians. This strategy has seen ruling United Russia Party lose a number of seats in past Navalny is currently in jail for two-and-a-half years on old charges of fraud. He was arrested in January after he returned to Russia after receiving treatment for nerve agent poisoning he blames on Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blocked 49 Navalny-linked websites, says aide

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yediyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka on Monday. he had completed two years in his current term.</p>

<p>The BJP appeared to give out conciliatory signals as party general secretary CT Ravi said that Yediyurappa will continue to guide Karnataka and BJP.</p>

<p>"Today Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa`s second year in the fourth term has completed. He has done good work. He will continue to guide Karnataka and BJP. Yediyurappa ji is our senior leader. There are various reports in the news. What is the truth what is a lie, I really do not know. What is going to happen, only time shall decide. I cannot speak much on this issue," CT Ravi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.</p>

<p>ANI quoted sources to say that replacing four-time chief minister BS Yediyurappa, a Lingayat strongman, from somebody from another community would not be favourable for BJP.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday also ruled out any crisis in the party`s state unit and said Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has done a good job."It is your thinking, we do not think this way," said Nadda on being asked whether there is a political crisis in Karnataka.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference held in Goa, the BJP chief, who is on a two-day visit to Goa ahead of Assembly elections next year, said Yediyurappa is running Karnataka well.</p>

<p>"He has done good work. He is running Karnataka well. Yediyurappa is handling things on his own," said Nadda on being asked about Yediyurappa`s leadership.</p>

<p>For the past several weeks, speculations are doing rounds about Yediyurappa`s exit and the change of guard in the state.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Yediyurappa had expressed to abide by the party`s high command decision and asserted that he will follow the directions of the BJP chief. Yediyurappa strongly denied having tendered his resignation amid speculations about leadership change in Karnataka earlier.</p>

<p>Last month, some BJP MLAs had demanded that Yediyurappa must step down as chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yediyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka on Monday. he had completed two years in his current term. The BJP appeared to give out conciliatory signals as party general secretary CT Ravi said that Yediyurappa will continue to guide Karnataka and BJP.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) BS Yediyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka on Monday. he had completed two years in his current term. The BJP appeared to give out conciliatory signals as party general secretary CT Ravi said that Yediyurappa will continue to guide Karnataka and BJP. "Today Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa`s second year in the fourth term has completed. He has done good work. He will continue to guide Karnataka and BJP. Yediyurappa ji is our senior leader. There are various reports in the news. What is the truth what is a lie, I really do not know. What is going to happen, only time shall decide. I cannot speak much on this issue," CT Ravi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. ANI quoted sources to say that replacing four-time chief minister BS Yediyurappa, a Lingayat strongman, from somebody from another community would not be favourable for BJP. Meanwhile, BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Sunday also ruled out any crisis in the party`s state unit and said Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has done a good job."It is your thinking, we do not think this way," said Nadda on being asked whether there is a political crisis in Karnataka. Addressing a press conference held in Goa, the BJP chief, who is on a two-day visit to Goa ahead of Assembly elections next year, said Yediyurappa is running Karnataka well. "He has done good work. He is running Karnataka well. Yediyurappa is handling things on his own," said Nadda on being asked about Yediyurappa`s leadership. For the past several weeks, speculations are doing rounds about Yediyurappa`s exit and the change of guard in the state. On Thursday, Yediyurappa had expressed to abide by the party`s high command decision and asserted that he will follow the directions of the BJP chief. Yediyurappa strongly denied having tendered his resignation amid speculations about leadership change in Karnataka earlier. Last month, some BJP MLAs had demanded that Yediyurappa must step down as chief minister. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP strongman Yediyurappa resigns as CM of southern Indian state Karnataka

<p>An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before&nbsp;the court via a secure video link from Kabul.</p>

<p>Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke.</p>

<p>Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian.</p>

<p>Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for&nbsp;Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago.</p>

<p>As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders.</p>

<p>Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.</p>


An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed.

An Afghan man, first Afghan witness of the alleged crime committed by a highly decorated Australian soldier told a court that he killed his uncle while he was handcuffed. He deposed before the court via a secure video link from Kabul. Ben Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and highly decorated Australian soldier, faces allegation that he kicked the witness's uncle down a steep embankment. The impact was so significant that his uncle's teeth broke. Mohammed Hanifa Fatih, the witness, told the court that "a big soldier" kicked and killed his uncle Ali Jan. He was quoted by The Guardian. Australian soldiers came to the village hunting for Hekmatullah, a rogue Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier who had killed three Australian soldiers a fortnight ago. As per Fatih, his uncle was kicked in the chest which caused him to fall down the steep embankment. He was then dragged to an orchard. Fatih says that he then heard gunshots, which were allegedly fired by Roberts-Smith or by another soldier but under his orders. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations. He is suing Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Canberra Times for defamation. The newspapers have stood by their reporting.

Kicked down a cliff: Afghan man says decorated Australian soldier killed his handcuffed uncle

<p>Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan.</p>

<p>Kuril Islands are located north of Japan's Hokkaido island. The islands have been controlled by Russia since Soviet troops captured them in the dying days of Second World War.</p>

<p>The territorial dispute has kept the two countries from signing a peace accord that would formally end their wartime hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his visit to Iturup, the largest and northernmost island of the archipelago, Mishustin proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses.</p>

<p>"This set of measures is unprecedented," Mishustin said.</p>

<p>"We may also think about exempting from taxpayer obligations those who work and invest here," Mishustin added.<br />
He added that the measures would be extended to the main activities on the island with some exemptions, such as the production of alcohol.</p>

<p>"This special regime will help intensify economic activity here. I will report these proposals to the Russian president and a relevant decision will be made," Mishustin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japanese foreign ministry issued a protest over Mishustin's visit and summoned Russian ambassador.</p>

<p>In a post on Facebook, ambassador Mikhail Galuzin called the protest "unacceptable".</p>

<p>The head of Russia's government "visits Russian regions as he sees fit," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.</p>

<p>"There is political will on Russia's part to develop good relations with Japan, we value our economic cooperation very much," Peskov added.</p>

<p>The Russian foreign ministry said for its part that it summoned Japan's ambassador and expressed its protest against the "unfriendly steps" taken by Tokyo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on visited the disputed Kuril Islands and said authorities wanted to establish a free economic zone there. This sparked a protest from Japan. Kuril Islands are located north of Japan's Hokkaido island. The islands have been controlled by Russia since Soviet troops captured them in the dying days of Second World War. The territorial dispute has kept the two countries from signing a peace accord that would formally end their wartime hostilities. During his visit to Iturup, the largest and northernmost island of the archipelago, Mishustin proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses. "This set of measures is unprecedented," Mishustin said. "We may also think about exempting from taxpayer obligations those who work and invest here," Mishustin added. He added that the measures would be extended to the main activities on the island with some exemptions, such as the production of alcohol. "This special regime will help intensify economic activity here. I will report these proposals to the Russian president and a relevant decision will be made," Mishustin said. Japanese foreign ministry issued a protest over Mishustin's visit and summoned Russian ambassador. In a post on Facebook, ambassador Mikhail Galuzin called the protest "unacceptable". The head of Russia's government "visits Russian regions as he sees fit," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "There is political will on Russia's part to develop good relations with Japan, we value our economic cooperation very much," Peskov added. The Russian foreign ministry said for its part that it summoned Japan's ambassador and expressed its protest against the "unfriendly steps" taken by Tokyo. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan fumes as Russia talks of free-trade zone on Kuril Islands

<p>If you go to Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden), you would be able to see the mesmerising beauty of Auroras. The beatiful phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists to this region.</p>

<p>Jupiter has Auroras too! The super-huge gas planet exhibits Auroras near both its poles. But there's more.</p>

<p>Jupiter's Auroras emit X-rays. For decades, scientists were puzzled about the reason behind these X-Ray emissions from the visual treat. NASA has solved that mystery now.</p>

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) has posted an image on Instagram and made it known to the world that another of Jupiter's mysteries has been solved.</p>

<p>The image posted by NASA shows the gas planet in all its glory! The mega-storms on the planet are plainly visible. But what's more interesting is the purple hue of Auroras seen at both poles of the planet.</p>

<p>Scientists knew that Auroras are caused by ions crashing into Jupiter's atmosphere but now they know how the X-Ray causing ions enter the atmosphere of the planet.</p>

<p>NASA says that ions responsible for X-ray emissions are 'surfing' the electromagnetic waves in Jupiter's magnetic field to enter the planet's atmosphere.</p>

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<p>To come to the conclusion, NASA combined data from its Juno mission and European Space Agency's XMM-Newton mission.</p>

<p>The expanse is revealing it secrets one-by-one after all!</p>


If you go to Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden), you would be able to see the mesmerising beauty of Auroras. The beatiful phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists to this region.

If you go to Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden), you would be able to see the mesmerising beauty of Auroras. The beatiful phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists to this region. Jupiter has Auroras too! The super-huge gas planet exhibits Auroras near both its poles. But there's more. Jupiter's Auroras emit X-rays. For decades, scientists were puzzled about the reason behind these X-Ray emissions from the visual treat. NASA has solved that mystery now. The National Aeronautics and Space Association (NASA) has posted an image on Instagram and made it known to the world that another of Jupiter's mysteries has been solved. The image posted by NASA shows the gas planet in all its glory! The mega-storms on the planet are plainly visible. But what's more interesting is the purple hue of Auroras seen at both poles of the planet. Scientists knew that Auroras are caused by ions crashing into Jupiter's atmosphere but now they know how the X-Ray causing ions enter the atmosphere of the planet. NASA says that ions responsible for X-ray emissions are 'surfing' the electromagnetic waves in Jupiter's magnetic field to enter the planet's atmosphere. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × To come to the conclusion, NASA combined data from its Juno mission and European Space Agency's XMM-Newton mission. The expanse is revealing it secrets one-by-one after all!

NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras

<p>United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops.</p>

<p>UN Assitance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report released on Monday that the number of civilian deaths may touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting a decade ago.</p>

<p>It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties.</p>

<p>"Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report.</p>

<p>"I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killed-43-people-in-afghanistans-ghazni-claim-residents-400703">Taliban killed 43 people in Afghanistan’s Ghazni, claim residents</a></strong></p>

<p>The UNAMA report said in the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded. This was a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.</p>

<p>Civilian casualties rose sharply in May and June. 783 civilians were killed and 1609 were wounded. This was the early period of Taliban offensive</p>

<p>"Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties," the report said.</p>

<p>UNAMA blames anti-government forces for 64 per cent of civilian casualties -- including some 40 percent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group.</p>

<p>The Taliban has been on the offensive since May and have made significant gains in past few months. By many estimates the insurgent group has control of half of the country and vital border crossings. A few days ago, Taliban claimed that it controls 90 per cent of the Afghan border. But the claim was heavily contested by the Afghan government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops.

United Nations on Monday warned that Taliban offensives may cause 'unprcedented' civilian deaths in Afghanistan if the offensive is not halted. Violence in Afghanistan has surged since May when the insurgents went on the offensive to coincide with the withdrawal of foreign troops. UN Assitance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report released on Monday that the number of civilian deaths may touch their highest single-year levels since the mission began reporting a decade ago. It also warned that Afghan troops and pro-government forces were responsible for a quarter of all civilian casualties. "Unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed," UNAMA head Deborah Lyons said in a statement released with the report. "I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed to the conflict's grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians." Also Read | Taliban killed 43 people in Afghanistan’s Ghazni, claim residents The UNAMA report said in the first half of 2021, some 1,659 civilians were killed and another 3,254 wounded. This was a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Civilian casualties rose sharply in May and June. 783 civilians were killed and 1609 were wounded. This was the early period of Taliban offensive "Particularly shocking and of deep concern is that women, boys and girls made up of close to half of all civilian casualties," the report said. UNAMA blames anti-government forces for 64 per cent of civilian casualties -- including some 40 percent caused by the Taliban and nearly nine percent by the jihadist Islamic State group. The Taliban has been on the offensive since May and have made significant gains in past few months. By many estimates the insurgent group has control of half of the country and vital border crossings. A few days ago, Taliban claimed that it controls 90 per cent of the Afghan border. But the claim was heavily contested by the Afghan government. (With inputs from agencies)

UN warns of 'unprecedented' Afghan civilian deaths due to Taliban offensives

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